There are an enormous number of reasons why you should study in the UK. There are greater numbers of subjects to choose from; courses from accountancy to zoology are delivered at hundreds of universities and colleges of higher education and a UK degree will allow you to specialise in the subject that interests you, in a country renowned across the world for the quality of its research and the reputation of its academics. While you're here, you'll be immersed in English, the international language of business. At the same time, you'll be part of a truly global community: students from more than 180 different countries are currently studying for undergraduate qualifications in the UK. With such fantastic experience behind you, you'll be ready to take on the world by the time you finish your course.

You'll gain recognised and respected qualifications

It's fantastic value

Make the best use of your time

Improve your English

Study in the way that suits you best

Gain the skills and qualities employers want

It's a multicultural experience

The United Kingdom has a temperate climate, with plentiful rainfall all year round. The temperature varies with the seasons seldom dropping below -11 °C (12 °F) or rising above 35 °C (95 °F).

About career-based and pre-university study

UK qualifications are respected and valued all over the world. A bachelor's degree, HND, Foundation Degree, master's degree, PhD or MBA from a UK college or university will give you an edge when you're competing for a job or a place. It will prove to employers that you're capable of independent thought and self-discipline, used to conducting and analysing your own research and will let them know that you can make a real contribution to their company or organisation. If you've got your sights set on academia for a while yet, the research skills you'll gain provide the perfect introduction to your bright future.

What qualifications will I need?

The qualifications you’ll need will depend on the course you want to study. Some qualifications (such as A-levels and BTEC National Diplomas) are below university level and lead directly onto higher education while others (such as HNDs and Foundation Degrees), are university-level qualifications that will enable you to join a degree course in the second or third year. You’ll find the exact entry requirements for each course explained clearly on the course profiles on this website. To give you a rough idea, the sort of qualifications you’ll need are as follows:

Qualifications and equivalents

BTEC National Diploma = Good general high school education equivalent to four GCSEs grades A –C, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0
AS/A-levels = Good general high school education equivalent to five GCSEs grades A –C, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0
International Foundation Year = Twelve years of school education or equivalent in your own country, plus IELTS 4.5-5.0
HND = Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels or a BTEC National Diploma or an international foundation year, plus IELTS 5.5-6.0
Foundation Degree = Qualifications equivalent to one or two UK A-levels or a BTEC National Diploma or an international foundation year. Plus IELTS 5.5-6.0

What sorts of courses are available?

Courses can last for up to two years (three with a sandwich placement in industry), and you can choose from thousands of opportunities in science and technology, computing and business, art and design, social sciences, the humanities and many others. The broad range and flexible approach of the UK education system allows you to choose the course and qualifications that will suit you best.

BTEC National Award, Certificate or Diploma

BTEC Nationals are one or two-year courses in career-related subjects such as e-business, engineering, art and design, media, performing arts, agriculture, applied science, computing and health and social care. They are ideal for students hoping to progress to a career at supervisory or technician level, and also provide a foundation for higher education courses in the same subject area.

AS and A levels

AS and A levels are the UK qualifications most widely accepted for entry to university. They are available in subjects from the humanities, arts, sciences and social sciences as well as in practical subjects such as engineering and leisure and tourism. You will study up to four subjects simultaneously over two years, taking AS level examinations at the end of your first year and A level qualifications at the end of your second. An AS level qualification is the equivalent of 50 per cent of an A level. In both AS and A level course work accounts for between 20 and 30 per cent of the marks, with the remainder being assessed by examination.

Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND)

Higher National Certificates and Diplomas are one- and two- year career-related higher education courses, which are equivalent to the first stages of a degree. They are available in many areas including engineering, sports studies, art and design, media and communications and music technology. Successful completion will allow you to enter a career at junior management level and from many courses you can ‘top-up’ to a degree by transferring into the second or third year of the degree course.

Foundation Degrees (FdA, FdSc etc)

Foundation Degrees are two-year career-related higher education courses, which are equivalent to the first stages of a degree. They are available in many areas, including art and design, media and communications, engineering and hospitality management, and can be used as a good foundation for a career or as a basis from which to progress on to a degree course.

University International Foundation Year

University International Foundation Year courses help to bridge any gaps between qualifications you hold already and the ones you need to begin a degree course at a UK university, whether this is because you need to improve your English language skills, your academic qualifications, or both.

How much will it cost?

UK career-based and pre-university course fees can vary considerably between institutions, but the figures below show approximately what you’ll need to pay.

Average course fees

AS- and A-levels: £4,000-£8,000 per year

BTECs and other vocational: £4,000-£6,000 per year

HNC/HNDs: £5,000-£10,000 per year

Foundation Degrees: £7,000-£12,000 per year

International Foundation Courses: £4,000 to £12,000 per year

You can find more details on individual education institutions’ fees on our site by checking out their profiles.

Part of the reason that UK career-based and pre-university qualifications are so highly valued across the world is the strict measures of quality imposed on them. Many of the checks and reports are available online, so you’ll never be left in any doubt about the validity and quality of the course you choose. The Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) maintains and develops the National Curriculum and associated assessments, tests and examinations, and accredits and monitors qualifications in colleges and at work. Further details can be found at www.qca.org.uk You can find a list of all UK qualifications accredited by the QCA on the Open Qualifications website at www.openquals.org.uk The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) ensures that UK higher education is of a standard that’s respected and admired across the world. Further details can be found at www.qaa.ac.uk

Scholarships not available yet.

How do I qualify to travel to the UK as a Student?

Since 31st March 2009 UKBA has introduced a new Point Based Visa System. You must be able to show that you have been accepted on a full time course of study for a period of course at an educational establishment that is on the UKBA’s Register of Sponsors and you must secure 40 points in order to secure your Tier 4 General Student Visa.

You are allowed to work 10 hrs/ week during your studies if you are studying at a Public Funded Institution.
You are allowed to work 20 hrs/ week during your studies if you are studying at a Public Funded Higher Education Institute (Universities)

You are allowed to work full time during your vacations.